Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support what Senator John Paul Phelan and Senator Mansergh said. All Members favour the general purpose of the legislation. It is important that those most affected, the claimants, are happy that their rights are respected in every way and they have full access to the services they require to ensure their claims are fully processed. I accept what Senator Leyden said about the legislation not debarring a claimant from seeking legal advice. Obviously, they have to pay for such advice themselves.

It is important that we ensure the public sees this Bill as providing a level playing pitch. While the legislation does not only deal with the speeding up of claims and hopefully reducing the cost of insurance in due course, it must not be seen to impinge on the entitlement of people to have claims processed fairly and fully. If this requires a minor change of phraseology, such as that proposed by Senator Phelan, it is something the Tánaiste should consider. It is important that the tone is properly set and that people are aware their rights are fully covered even though we are talking about a new style of assessment and basis for decisions on claims.